Media and Development Communication Practitioner

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency established in 1969, dedicated to promoting gender equality, human rights, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). With a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on empowering women and girls, advocating for reproductive health, and addressing population issues. UNFPA has a significant presence in the Philippines, where it works to transform social norms and promote gender equality through various initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Media and Development Communication Practitioner will play a crucial role in developing communication guidelines aimed at promoting positive gender and social norms within the media landscape of the Philippines. This position is part of UNFPA's broader Country Programme for 2025, which seeks to challenge and transform discriminatory social norms through multi-stakeholder engagement, particularly with media organizations. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive situational analysis of current media practices, developing training materials, and facilitating capacity-building workshops for media professionals. The ultimate goal is to create a network of media champions who can advocate for gender equality and SRHR, thereby contributing to social behavior change and the elimination of gender biases in media reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive situational analysis of media practices related to gender and SRHR in the Philippines, including consultations with national media organizations and gender experts.
• Identifying and engaging key media organizations to collaborate on the project and support the establishment of a network of media champions.
• Developing comprehensive communication guidelines that promote positive gender and social norms, ensuring they are practical and adaptable across various media platforms.
• Designing and implementing a capacity-building program for media organizations, which includes training workshops, seminars, and ongoing mentorship.
• Monitoring and evaluating the progress of media organizations in implementing the communication guidelines and producing gender-sensitive content.
• Preparing regular progress reports and a final report detailing achievements, challenges, and recommendations for future media initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate must possess a degree in Development Communication, Media Studies, Gender Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field. Additionally, they should have at least 5 years of experience in media and communication, gender advocacy, and capacity-building within media organizations. A strong understanding of gender equality, SRHR, and human rights issues, particularly in the context of media, is essential. The candidate should also demonstrate proven ability to develop communication strategies and guidelines, experience in delivering training programs, and familiarity with the media landscape in the Philippines. Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a degree in a relevant field such as Development Communication, Media Studies, Gender Studies, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of media communication and gender issues, which are central to the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in media and communication, particularly in gender advocacy and capacity-building within media organizations, is required. This experience should include a strong understanding of gender equality, SRHR, and human rights issues, as well as a proven track record of developing communication strategies and guidelines.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communication and documentation will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Filipino or other local languages is considered an asset, as it may enhance engagement with local media organizations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open only to nationals of the Philippines and involves a commitment of 55-person days over a duration of 6 months. The consultant will be compensated on a per deliverable basis, with payments structured as follows: 30% upon acceptance of the situational analysis report, 40% upon acceptance of the communication guidelines and capacity-building deliverables, and 30% upon acceptance of the final report. The work can be conducted remotely, with some face-to-face activities planned within Metro Manila. UNFPA will cover travel costs and provide logistical support for the consultancy.